9/11 museum gift shop branded as insensitive

Visitors to the newly-opened 9/11 memorial museum have criticised its inclusion of a gift shop, branding it insensitive.

The museum, which houses many items from the event that occurred on the 11th September 2001, is a place for remembering those who died in the tragedy.

But while no one disputes that the museum is commemorating the brave people who lost their lives there have been complaints that the addition of souvenirs, is a little crass.

Damaged fire truck displayed in the museum

Currently you can buy an array of items, including FDNY, NYPD and Port Authority Police T-shirts, £13 ($22) and caps, £11.85 ($19.95), earrings molded from leaves and blossoms of downtown trees, £11- £40 ($20 - $68), and cop and firefighter charms by Pandora and other jewellers, £38 ($65).

A helmet New York City Fire Department worn by Captain Patrick John Brown

There are also tote bags with the Twin Towers emblazoned on the front, as well as a commemorative water bottle, plus little cuddly toy dogs to purchase (all pictured above).

A steel beam from the World Trade Center stands at the centre of Foundation Hall in the museum

However, early visitors have complained about the lack of sensitivity surrounding the inclusion of a gift shop, and cafe, to the museum.

In an article in the New York Post, Diane Horning who lost her son Matthew in the tragedy, criticised the decision to open the shop.

“To me, it’s the crassest, most insensitive thing to have a commercial enterprise at the place where my son died.”

“Here is essentially our tomb of the unknown. To sell baubles I find quite shocking and repugnant,” she continued.

“I think it’s a money-making venture to support inflated salaries, and they’re willing to do it over my son’s dead body.”